Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

The Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media (ADTCM) has strengthened its strategic presence in the European market by signing a distinguished cooperation agreement with Coral Travel, one of the leading tour operators in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. This agreement reflects a carefully planned marketing approach aimed at consolidating Ajman’s position as a preferred destination for European travellers, diversifying its source markets, and enhancing its competitive presence in high-value, high-spending tourism segments. The agreement was inked virtually, with His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director-General of ADTCM, signing from the Department’s headquarters, while Hicabi Ayhan, Director Product Management at Coral Travel, signed from Berlin, Germany. The signing took place in the presence of the Department’s representative office participating in ITB Berlin, the world’s leading platform for the travel and tourism industry. The agreement establishes a practical framework for including the Emirate of Ajman within Coral Travel’s portfolio of promoted destinations in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. This will be achieved through integrated marketing campaigns targeting specific traveller segments, the development of tailored travel packages based on in-depth analysis of European consumer behaviour, and the empowerment of travel agents and sales partners with marketing tools and insights that enhance Ajman’s visibility at points of sale. Both parties will also collaborate in analysing demand indicators and travel trends across Central European markets, as well as in designing flexible tourism products that respond to market dynamics and align with the growing demand for destinations offering cultural depth, beachfront experiences, and family-oriented activities within a safe and high-quality environment. H.E. Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi stated that the Department adopts a strategic approach focused on building long-term partnerships with leading international tour operators, strengthening Ajman’s position as a …

The Maldives will take center stage as the Official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2027, presenting the beauty, diversity and hospitality of the island nation in the Indian Ocean to the global travel industry at the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show. The partnership was officially sealed during ITB Berlin 2026: Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of Visit Maldives (MMPRC) and Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin, signed the agreement during an official photo ceremony at the Maldives’ stand in Hall 5.2. “We are delighted that, 10 years after their first appearance as Host Country, the Maldives will once again take center stage at ITB Berlin. This long-standing partnership underscores the importance of ITB Berlin as a global platform and highlights the Maldives’ prominent role in the international travel industry. In 2027, we look forward to showcasing the Maldives’ extraordinary beauty and diversity, while also demonstrating how tourism and sustainability can go hand in hand,” explained Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin. Abdulla Ghiyas (Chairperson, Visit Maldives Corporation), Ibrahim Shiuree (CEO and Managing Director, Visit Maldives), Deborah Rothe (Director of ITB Berlin), Dr Mario Tobias (CEO of Messe Berlin), David Ruetz (Senior Vice President of Messe Berlin) (from left to right) A Global Stage for an Exceptional Destination With more than 1,000 islands, turquoise lagoons, white sandy beaches and vibrant coral reefs, the Maldives rank among the most iconic long-haul destinations worldwide. The country stands for exclusive resort experiences, authentic local island tourism and warm hospitality. As Host Country of ITB Berlin 2027, the Maldives will present the full diversity of its tourism offering: from luxury resorts and boutique properties to diving experiences, water sports, wellness retreats and …

The Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media (ADTCM) has signed a strategic agreement with Germany-based Vtours, aimed at enhancing the promotion of the Emirate of Ajman in the Federal Republic of Germany and expanding international partnerships to support sustainable tourism growth, further reinforcing Ajman’s position as a competitive destination in European markets. The agreement was signed virtually, with His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director-General of ADTCM, signing from the Department’s headquarters in Ajman, while Sabine Jordan-Glaab, CEO Vtours, signed from Berlin during her participation in ITB Berlin, one of the world’s leading travel trade shows. The signing took place in the presence of representatives from the Department’s office attending the exhibition. The agreement coincides with the presence of the Department’s representative office at ITB Berlin, reflecting its commitment to strengthening its international presence and building high-impact partnerships with leading global tourism and travel companies, while leveraging major international platforms to create new avenues of cooperation that support Ajman’s tourism sector. The agreement aims to develop joint marketing programs to promote Ajman in the German market, enhance the inclusion of the Emirate within Vtours’ travel packages and product offerings, and implement targeted marketing campaigns based on detailed insights into German traveller preferences. It also includes organising professional workshops and meetings with travel agents and tour operators, in addition to exchanging data and expertise related to travel trends and visitor behaviour, thereby increasing the effectiveness of promotional efforts and strengthening Ajman’s competitiveness in the European market. Furthermore, the agreement covers the organisation of familiarisation trips for media representatives, content creators, and tourism stakeholders, highlighting Ajman’s cultural, natural, and tourism assets to further position the emirate as a comprehensive destination that blends …

Liwa International Festival 2026 concluded after 23 days of festivities in the Al Dhafra Region, Abu Dhabi welcoming more than 700,000 visitors across the festival period, reflecting continued growth in the event’s scale and appeal.Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) in collaboration with Liwa Sports Club, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Abu Dhabi Media Office, Al Dhafra Municipality, Abu Dhabi Police, Abu Dhabi Media Network, and Miral, Liwa International Festival continued to grow as a major winter event, combining heritage, adventure and entertainment within the unique landscape of the Al Dhafra Region. At the heart of the festival, Liwa Village was a central hub for families and friends. In 2026, Liwa Village welcomed 274,440 visitors, marking a 26% and underscoring its growing appeal as a key gathering and entertainment space during the festival. Expanded for the 2026 edition, the village featured five themed zones offering cultural activities, live performances, dining experiences, retail and family entertainment. Enhancements this year included increased seating capacity, new attractions for adults and children, and a continued focus on sustainability, with solar power supplying a significant portion of daily energy needs. Motorsports is a defining feature of the festival, and race participation increased by 47% this year. Events included the Tal Moreeb Car Championship, freestyle and drift competitions, drag racing, off-road challenges and UTV races, alongside large-scale showcases such as Monster Jam and Extreme MudFest, drawing strong competition and visitor engagement throughout the programme. Heritage remained a core pillar of the festival, with traditional competitions, cultural showcases and activations around Tal Moreeb and surrounding historic sites, reinforcing Al Dhafra Region’s living heritage and desert traditions. Looking ahead, the next …

In a special interview with TravTalk ME, Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, outlined plans for the inaugural Al Dhaid Ramadan Festival in Al-Dhaid. The two-week programme will run from 26 February 2026 to 11 March 2026, featuring cultural, heritage, and community-led activities. HE Al Midfa said the festival will leverage the favourable weather to host a series of outdoor activations. A main stage will present daily three-hour sessions, including workshops and presentations by specialists in heritage and indigenous plant species from Al-Dhaid and Sharjah’s central region. The programme is designed to be interactive and educational. The event will also feature 16 SMEs and four additional companies, bringing the total number of participating enterprises to 20. Al-Shari’a Souq, a new project initiated by His Highness Sheikh Sultan Al-Qasimi, will be activated throughout the festival, reinforcing Al-Dhaid’s positioning as a cultural and community hub. Al Midfa added that future editions are expected to expand the festival’s scope and offerings.

Sharjah is gearing up to participate in ITB Berlin 2026—the world’s largest trade event specializing in the travel and tourism sector—taking place from 3 to 5 March 2026. The participation will be under the umbrella of the Sharjah Pavilion. The delegation, alongside the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), includes 20 entities from the emirate’s public and private sectors, a step that reflects the unification of plans and efforts, strengthens Sharjah’s presence, and consolidates its position on the global tourism map. During the exhibition, Sharjah’s delegation will showcase a range of prominent tourism and development projects that contribute to supporting the growth of the tourism sector and enhancing its contribution to the national economy, in addition to highlighting the diversity of tourism experiences the emirate offers—stemming from its varied landscapes, natural environments, and urban projects—from the center of theCity to the Central Region and through to the Eastern Region. The participation also highlights Sharjah’s integrated cultural ecosystem, which includes a wide array of specialized museums, nature reserves, archaeological and historical sites, forts and castles, as well as destinations and sites listed under UNESCO heritage. In addition, Sharjah’s distinctive beaches and waterfronts—key attractions for visitors—reflect the diversity of the emirate’s tourism experience. The participation also underscores the variety of hotel accommodation experiences that distinguish the emirate, with each project offering a unique character that reflects the identity of its location and provides diverse stays combining luxury, nature, and heritage. With its commitment to preserving and safeguarding its cultural legacy and the authenticity of its identity, Sharjah continues to solidify its standing as a destination that brings together heritage and modernity, offering an integrated tourism model that balances development, sustainable growth, …

Czechia is inviting travellers from the Middle East to plan their 2026 holidays with greater flexibility through its ‘‘Feel Free’’ theme, encouraging an unhurried, experience-led style of travel shaped around personal interests rather than rigid checklists. With travel from the region increasingly spanning multiple seasons, Czechia is positioning itself as a destination that delivers across the year, from winter getaways to spring, summer and autumn breaks. “With our ‘Feel Free’ theme, we want travellers to feel the freedom to explore Czechia on their own terms and beyond the familiar. Travellers from the GCC are increasingly seeking depth, regional stories and unhurried experiences, and Czechia offers that across the year, from winter charm and wellness to culture, gastronomy and nature. The direct airline connectivity to Prague from GCC countries also brings Czechia closer than ever for a quick escape or a longer, slower break,” said Ms. Barbara Andelova, International Markets Manager, CzechTourism. From snow-dusted viewpoints and winter city breaks in Prague to cosy cafés, classical music, museums, and seasonal markets, Czechia’s colder months offer a more intimate way to experience the destination. The winter mood extends naturally into the country’s celebrated spa heritage, with the Karlovy Vary Region offering wellness-led travel rooted in tradition, ideal for travellers looking to slow down and reset. As the seasons open, Czechia lends itself to regional extensions that deepen the trip without adding complex logistics. South Bohemia and Český Krumlov bring storybook towns, riverside scenery, and countryside drives, while Bohemian Switzerland is well-suited for nature-focused travel from spring through autumn. For those who build itineraries around food, local culture, and relaxed exploration, South Moravia stands out with scenic landscapes, traditional villages, and a distinctive culinary …

Experience Abu Dhabi has announced its first ‘Ramadan Festival’, taking place throughout the Holy Month, welcoming everyone to discover the spirit of community during Ramadan. Tickets are now available to access all three locations in Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain Region and Al Dhafra Region, beginning 20 February and open daily from 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM.With purpose-built Ramadan neighborhoods within each location, Ramadan Festival 2026 will encourage discovery and connection, bringing together authentic Emirati heritage, community-focused gatherings, and a range of family-friendly activities. From live performances and entertainment to vibrant markets and diverse dining options, there’s something for every visitor. Ramadan Festival 2026 will bring together selection of Emirati, regional and international culinary experiences, alongside markets featuring distinctive retailers and unique products, enhancing the overall shopping and leisure experience in an authentic Ramadan ambiance. Ramadan Festival highlights: ● Cultural and heritage performances: Children’s traditional storytelling, poetry evenings, musical and traditional performances, “Al Ayala” and “Al Harbiyah” folk dances, Arabic calligraphy, and other cultural activities celebrating Emirati heritage and identity. ● Ramadan “Souq” Market: Souq-inspired walkways adorned with traditional Ramadan lanterns, featuring local handicrafts, distinctive handmade products, and gifts inspired by the spirit of the holy month. ● Foodie experiences: A diverse range of food and beverage trucks offering a wide selection of quick bites, suhoor dishes, and traditional beverages. ● Kids’ and family activities: Theatrical performances, puppet shows, interactive games, creative workshops, and a variety of artistic and entertainment activities tailored specifically for children. Ramadan Festival dates: Al Ain Region 20 February – 1 March | ADNEC Al Ain, Outdoor Area Al Dhafra Region 20 February – 1 March | Madinat Zayed Park Abu Dhabi City 27 February – …

Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board clenches ‘Best NTO – South East Asia’ title at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. “Tourism Malaysia is honoured to be the Platinum Partner of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. We are delighted to stand alongside industry leaders in celebrating excellence across the region’s vibrant travel landscape. Our heartfelt congratulations to Durga Das Publications and the entire organizing team for once again delivering this prestigious event. As we look ahead to Visit Malaysia 2026, we warmly invite the world to experience the beauty of our nature, the richness of our culture and the warmth of our hospitality. MALAYSIA TRULY ASIA.”Mohd Faharuddin Hatmin, Director, Tourism Malaysia

With travellers from the GCC continuing to seek meaningful, flexible and experience-led journeys, both organisations are aligning their strategies to engage a new generation of explorers, particularly Gen Z, while continuing to appeal to families, couples and multi-generational travellers from the region. The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) and visitBerlin outlined a forward-looking vision for 2026, setting the direction for a year that celebrates Germany’s vibrant urban culture, rich culinary landscape and a growing emphasis on wellbeing. For 2026, GNTO will focus on two core campaigns designed to showcase Germany’s diversity and contemporary appeal, reflecting how the country continues to evolve as a destination that blends culture, creativity and quality of life. The City Life campaign places Germany’s cities, from major metropolises to smaller cultural hubs, at the heart of the travel experience. With their cosmopolitan atmosphere, rich heritage, shopping, dining and creative scenes, German cities offer a dynamic mix of tradition and modern living. The initiative combines inspiration with a strong call to action, encouraging travel planning while supporting hotels, restaurants and retail sectors across the country, with a clear objective of driving inbound revenue. Yamina Sofo, Director of the Marketing & Sales Office – GNTO GCC, said: “Our vision for 2026 is rooted in showcasing Germany as a destination that feels relevant, inspiring and welcoming to today’s travellers. Through City Life and Culinary, we are highlighting experiences that resonate strongly with Gen Z while still appealing to families and seasoned travellers from the GCC. Germany’s cities, food culture and focus on wellbeing offer endless opportunities for discovery.” Burkhard Kieker, CEO of visitBerlin, said:“Berlin represents the energy and diversity of urban life in Germany. In 2026, we will continue …